How can you help patients exercise more?

Education: Taking the time to talk with patients and identify their barriers to exercise is important. Also identify resources in your community such as prediabetes programs, walking groups, running clubs, and cycling clubs.

Tell them why: I have always found if people understand the why and what, it is easier to teach the how. For all of human history, other than the past few hundred years, we were somewhat physically active. Hunter-gatherers worked about 6 to 8 hours per day. Farmers even more. Our bodies were built to be active, not sitting around in chars all day. Exercise is good for the heart, bones, and healthy weight.

Make it fun!: I work with patients to understand what sorts of physical activities they enjoy, or might enjoy. I also evaluate their current level of fitness. With this information in hand, a customized program can be made for the patient, which will hopefully be fun as well as good for the health!

Emphasize benefits: Talk about the benefits..be a good role model and help them by creating a socializing exercise environment. Never force exercise upon anyone and start slowly